The 14 Best Offline Games for PC Gamers

Online gaming may have taken the world by storm, but there are still plenty of offline games out there for players to choose from. With the best offline games for PC, you can game whenever and however you want — no internet connection required. Many of these titles also have online elements, letting you connect with others when possible.

There’s a plethora of offline games on the market. Below, we’ve researched the best of the best and compiled them into this neat list of the 14 best offline games right now. 

The Best PC Offline Games at a Glance

From casual games to play during quick connection drops to immersive story games offering hundreds of hours of offline play, the options for offline PC games are limitless. Below, see some of the best PC offline games at a glance, including their rating and who may enjoy them the most.

Game	Best for	Rating
Hades II	Fans of the original Hades games, players looking for a Greek-inspired roguelike filled with combat and dungeon exploration	9/10 on Steam
Crusader Kings III	Players looking for a personalized gaming experience based on decision-making with high replayability	9/10 on Steam
Slay the Spire	Players looking for a game that combines a collective card game mechanic with roguelike progression and strategy	10/10 on Steam
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt	Fans of The Witcher series, players looking for an action-packed RPG with an immersive storyline to explore	10/10 on Steam
Civilization VII	Players interested in a realistic city-building game with a strong focus on military and resource management	6/10 on Steam
Stardew Valley	Players looking for a slice-of-life experience that includes farming, fishing, mining, combat, and other activities in a single title	10/10 on Steam
Portal 2	Players looking for a solid puzzle game that they can enjoy offline alone or with friends through split screen	10/10 on Steam
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Players looking for a classic ARPG adventure set in medieval Scandinavia with hundreds of hours of gameplay	9/10 on Steam
Red Dead Redemption 2	Players looking for a game offering hundreds of hours of exploration, action and adventure, and RPG with Western themes	9/10 on Steam
Baldur’s Gate 3	Players looking for an in-depth RPG with the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay plus high replayability, fans of Dungeons & Dragons	10/10 on Steam
Disco Elysium	Fans of RPGs looking for a unique twist on the genre	9/10 on Steam
Black Myth Wukong	Gamers who want an ARPG that offers various forms of combat	10/10 on Steam
Cyberpunk 2077	Players looking for an offline PC game that they can play time and time again, thanks to its high level of replayability	9/10 on Steam
Grand Theft Auto V	Players who enjoy action-adventure games set in realistic environments with immersive storylines and NPCs	7/10 on Steam

1. Hades II

Return to the Underworld in Hades II, the sequel to 2020’s Hades release. However, instead of Zagreus, players control his sister, Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, in this roguelike ARPG.

One of the best offline Steam games, this title draws much of its inspiration from the first installment. However, this trending new game also brings a variety of new features to the table. It includes two different routes to take in your journey to defeat Chronos, the titan of time: one leading to Mount Olympus and the other to Tartarus. Hades II also provides a greater focus on magic, introducing Hecate into its cast of Greek mythological figures and implementing a combat resource known as the Magick Bar, which is used for powerful attacks.

2. Crusader Kings III

Build, develop, and live out multiple generations in your own dynasty in Crusader Kings III. Create a unique character, customizing different features, before diving headfirst into leadership, where you must make future-altering decisions for your dynasty. From establishing and spreading religion to developing a thriving culture to building the ultimate armies, you spend hundreds of years building the best dynasty possible. As a generational storyline, once your original character dies, you continue playing as their descendants.

Crusader Kings III is best for players looking for an offline experience that offers dozens of hours of gameplay. Each playthrough includes hundreds of years of activities in-game, and players can choose to start again and make different choices the next time. 

3. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire combines roguelike elements with a collectible card game, providing a unique experience that focuses on trial and error, strategy, and a little bit of luck. As you progress through the storyline, you can collect different cards to add to your deck, which you are able to customize and tailor to your gameplay preferences. The ultimate goal is to climb the different levels of a spire, battling different characters and even bosses. 

As you climb, you may find yourself without any health. This loss forces you to restart the climb from the bottom of the tower. However, because this is a roguelike title, losses aren’t failures — you collect points you can use to purchase upgrades like new characters or cards to help with your next attempt. 

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the most lauded games of all time. The offering from CD Projekt Red received countless Game of the Year titles, and critics praised it for its incredible immersive world with rich characters. The epic open-world RPG sold more than 30 million copies, and the entire story exists as an offline game with no internet connection required, and you can tune out of spoilers until upcoming PC games are released. .

In this title, players control Geralt of Rivia, a famed monster hunter on a mission to escape the Wild Hunt — a mythology-based otherworldly being. Along with engaging in combat with various monsters depending on the time of day, players can travel the vast world around them by swimming, running, climbing, and more.

5. Civilization VII

The newest addition to a highly successful franchise, Civilization VII brings new gameplay that familiar fans and Civilization newbies alike can enjoy. In this game, lead your civilization and choose between embracing real-life history or getting creative in your strategy as you navigate your way to success. 

Like other city-building games, much of Civilization VII’s gameplay revolves around leading your city to success. This includes expanding your territory and constructing new cities, elevating your existing regions with architectural wonders, and keeping your people satisfied. 

However, the game balances these elements with a need for strong military management and thrilling gameplay that requires thinking outside the box.

6. Stardew Valley

Some players of offline games want to have a peaceful and relaxing gameplay experience. Stardew Valley delivers that perfectly. The 2016 game from ConcernedApe gives players the chance to fish and mine in an idyllic rural setting. Although the main focus is to build a thriving farm fit with crops and animals, there is no linear storyline progression, allowing players to tailor their game experience to their preferences. 

Farm chores also aren’t the only way you can spend time. Stardew Valley also offers a rich social simulator experience where you slowly get to uncover the history and lore of each character and develop friendships and romances along the way. 

7. Portal 2

When you think of offline games, you likely think that means you have to play alone. However, thanks to its split screen, you can take on Portal 2’s co-op campaign even without an internet connection. Or, you can try your hand at its single-player campaign if your friends are only available for online play.

Whichever game mode you prefer, Portal 2 offers thought-provoking sci-fi-inspired platform puzzles that take time to figure out. This rich gameplay is what has earned this game the title of one of the best puzzle games of all time.

8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is a household game for players, with many gamers having spent hundreds of hours exploring this open-world title. When it comes to ARPG, Skyrim has nailed the formula, offering character customization, different paths and storylines, and decisions that matter. However, the best part is that you can enjoy every aspect of this game without ever connecting to Wi-Fi.

If you’ve played other The Elder Scrolls titles, you’ll find that Skyrim’s combat system differs slightly from its predecessor. While you can choose between a variety of short- and long-ranged weapons, as well as several spells, you can also dual-wield weapons. This means you can use a sword with one hand while casting a powerful fire spell with the other.

9. Red Dead Redemption

Although Red Dead Redemption 2 has a large online community, this beloved Western-theme game can also be played completely offline. When you embark on an offline playthrough of Red Dead Redemption 2, it can offer a new experience, allowing you to focus more on open-world exploration, quests, and the main storyline without the destruction of other players.

Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast world — one filled with unique NPCs, hidden secrets and interactions, and beautiful landscapes. Offline play gives you the opportunity to truly take your time uncovering everything this popular title has to offer.

10. Baldur’s Gate 3

Based on Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 brings many beloved features of the popular tabletop game to life in this 2023 release. One of the most popular aspects of this game is its level of customization, with players able to alter and customize nearly every feature of their character. This goes beyond appearance, with customization branching to classes, races, and even morality through decision-making. 

While Baldur’s Gate 3 does offer an online component where you can team up with friends, its hundreds of hours of playing and replaying are perfect for the offline player. As you progress through the story, you meet several different characters, each with a unique story and personality to get to know. Along with its highly immersive storyline and world, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers turn-based combat with mechanics similar to Dungeons & Dragons.

11. Disco Elysium

Because of their focus on single-player campaigns and storylines, many RPGs make their way onto the list of best offline PC games. However, Disco Elysium proves that not all RPGs have to be the same, offering a fresh look at the genre.

Disco Elysium is a dialogue-heavy game. Rather than traditional combat, you’ll face skill checks and dialogue-centric combat that requires you to think in new ways and plan carefully for the best outcomes. Even with its unique twists, however, it remains true to some of the most familiar features of the genre, such as its isometric open world.

12. Black Myth Wukong

Disco Elysium isn’t the only ARPG to offer a unique take on combat. The game is inspired by Journey to the West, and combat focuses less on quick button mashing and more on strategic resource management. 

Not only do you need to keep an eye on your stamina while fighting enemies, but you also need to manage an additional combat resource known as focus.

Black Myth Wukong doesn’t offer as many weapon choices as some other titles, but you do have a variety to choose from. The main weapon you wield is a staff, but you can also learn and use different spells.

13. Cyberpunk 2077

Fans of Undertale will appreciate the flexible gameplay that Cyberpunk 2077 offers. There are several ways to progress the story and beat this single-player title. This includes an option pacifist run, which focuses more on subduing non-mechanical opponents rather than more lethal options. As a result, you can play this title time and time again without receiving the same results.

As an offline game with no multiplayer support, Cyberpunk 2077 gives you the opportunity to let your creativity run wild. From gameplay tailored to your preferences to a highly customizable character, this is one of the best titles to play if you’re without an internet connection.

14. Grand Theft Auto V

Although your ability to steal and operate out-of-the-ordinary vehicles like airplanes may dampen Grand Theft Auto V’s realism, this title offers an immersive world that you’ll want to explore. From polarizing NPCs to a real-world-inspired setting, GTA V remains a fan-favorite even more than a decade later.

Grand Theft Auto V includes many features that you may expect to see in an RPG, such as limited character customization and a bounty system. However, its linear storylines and quests do tame some of the open-world freedom, although the city is yours to explore. 

Overall, despite its more mature themes that make it better for an adult audience, GTA V is one of the best games to play offline.

How To Choose the Best Offline Games for PC

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for offline gaming. When it comes to choosing the best offline games for PC, keep these key considerations in mind:

• Consider the time commitment: Some offline games, like Baldur’s Gate 3, can take hundreds of hours to fully explore every decision and choice. While considering the amount of time you’d like to commit to a game, you can also gauge the game’s replayability.
• Decide if you want online capabilities: Not all offline games have to stay offline. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Civilization VI can be enjoyed offline as well as online with others. 
• Pick a genre: Offline PC games come in nearly every genre. Whether you’d rather sit down with cozy slice-of-life games like Stardew Valley or explore more action-packed options like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, decide what genre you’d like to play.

Take Your Gaming On the Go

Offline games come in a variety of forms, offering an option for every player. When it comes to picking the best offline games for PC, consider those that offer immersive gameplay that can keep you entertained for hours. 

Whether you’re looking for the best way to pass the time without an internet connection or a virtual adventure to enjoy both on and offline, there are hundreds of PC games to explore and play today.

Best Offline Games for PC FAQ

Still have questions about the best offline games to play? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic.

What Games Can I Play Offline for Free?

In terms of genre, there are various free PC games that you can play offline. Essentially, it all depends on what your taste is. Some players 
download Mac games like Modern Combat Domination or Red Crucible 2. Some players may prefer to get their fix via consoles or mobile games offline, of which there are also free options. One thing is clear: You don’t have to worry about running out of choices if you’re wanting to play offline games.

What Game Apps Work Offline?

There’s a vast array of Android games and iOS games on the market, currently free of charge. You can also enjoy a variety of free offline games for PC. Some of the most acclaimed mobile offline games of all time include Angry Birds and Candy Crush. These titles can be predominantly played offline, but players can go online to upload their scores and see their friend’s results.

What Are the Best Online and Offline Games?

It’s hard to say what the best online and offline game ever is — it’s all subjective, after all — but there are a few major contenders. Grand Theft Auto V, for instance, is one of the most successful online games ever, and one of the top-selling offline games. There are plenty of other titles that can cross over between offline and online play.